A Profile in Music: Phil Ochs
Featuring cover songs by Neil Young, Joan Baez, Lady Gaga, Tim Hardin, Marianne Faithfull, Wyclef Jean, and three by Phil himself.
I first caught Phil Ochs live in a rather historic setting: In Chicago in August 1968 at 2 a.m. in the park next to where the local police had just assaulted antiwar demonstrators gathered for protests at the Democratic National Convention. He became a friend in the early to mid-1970s so I was there for the crack-ups, his double life as “John Train,” and breaking up a party at Bill Kunstler’s home in the Village one Saturday night swinging a golf club over his head. And then, suicide at age thirty-five. But before that were the songs, and the political courage. So here are a bunch of tributes mainly in the form of covers of some of his best songs, starting with Neil Young calling him “one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived.” Enjoy, then subscribe, it’s still free. Plus bonus excerpt down below from his immortal testimony at the Chicago 8 conspiracy trial.
Neil Young, “Changes”
Joan Baez, “There But for Fortune”
Marianne Faithfull, “Chords of Fame”
Wyclef Jean, “Here’s to the State of Mississippi.”
Lady Gaga, “The War Is Over” (ignore footage, sound is fine)
Fantastic version of “Pleasures of the Harbor” by another tragic figure, Tim Hardin, at the memorial for Phil (which I attended, and link here for entire event). Yes, he struggles a bit with the lyrics but no matter.
And Phil himself live with “I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore” and “No More Songs.”
and infamous rocking “Tape from California” live at Carnegie Hall…
At the Chicago 8 Trial
MR. KUNSTLER: After you arrived in Chicago did you have any discussion with Jerry {Rubin]?
THE WITNESS: Yes, I did. We discussed the nomination of a pig for President.
MR. KUNSTLER: Would you state what you said and what Jerry said.
THE WITNESS: We discussed the details. We discussed going out to the countryside around Chicago and buying a pig from a farmer and bringing him into the city for the purposes of his nominating speech.
MR. KUNSTLER: Did you have any role yourself in that?
THE WITNESS: Yes, I helped select the pig, and I paid for him.
MR. KUNSTLER: Would you state what, if anything, happened to the pig?
THE WITNESS: The pig was arrested with seven people.
MR. KUNSTLER: What were you doing when you were arrested?
THE WITNESS: We were arrested announcing the pig's candidacy for President.
MR. KUNSTLER: Were you informed by an officer that the pig had squealed on you?
MR. FORAN: Objection. I ask it be stricken.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
Greg Mitchell is the author of a dozen books and now writer/director of award-winning films. He was also the longtime executive editor of the legendary Crawdaddy. And see his popular new newsletter devoted to The Bomb in the wake of “Oppenheimer.” His two newsletters remain free when you subscribe.
Near the end, I used to collect him off the streets of Soho and feed him at my loft at 124 W Houston St. And make him take a bath. Then he would be off, until he was off for good. So, so desperately sad.
Great choices Greg, some I hadn’t had the pleasure seeing before, thank you. I knew Phil a bit thru my Dad working with him when I was youngster, such talent in lyrics, melodies and wit. Btw, do you remember Patricia Mary Morris who worked for you at Crawdaddy? Crazy twist of fate had us become friends, and we both talk about and listen to Ochs regularly.